In a stunning abdication of responsibility, the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities, and Local Government -- Labour MP for Surrey Heath JellyCow99 -- has failed to answer a single question posed to them in the most recent Ministers' Questions, including three vital questions from Workers Party representatives.

The government's agenda on housing has been woefully insufficient, with homelessness still running rampant and too many British people being subject to the whims of whatever their landlord demands. Rough sleeping must end, more public housing must be provided, and homelessness must be a thing of the past -- that is what the Workers Party GB believes, and we are pushing the government to act.

But it appears the Secretary holds the people they are supposed to represent in such contempt that they will not answer the questions posed to them by their fellow representatives and members of the public. It is not good enough. The Secretary should apologise and deliver answers to the following questions from Workers Party GB representatives:

• Can the Secretary of State please outline their plans to reform the planning system and how we can improve the build qualities of new housing so young people can live in communities that are beautiful and aesthetically pleasing?

• Would the Secretary agree that housing should be considered a human right for all and that no-one, least of all any child, should be sleeping rough in the streets?

• Would the Secretary agree that there is an urgent need to build more homes that are not merely "affordable" for working families, but which are directly supplied by the government to tackle homelessness at the root?

If the Secretary cannot fulfil even the basic requirements of their role, the Prime Minister must show some backbone and sack them immediately.

Quotes attributable to alisonhearts, Workers Party GB leader

"It is just unacceptable that in a time of housing crisis and rough sleeping that the government's Secretary for Housing is asleep at the wheel."

"The British people don't just deserve answers, they deserve action. The Workers Party GB will act to end the scourge of rough sleeping and embark on an ambitious agenda to build new housing projects that are not simply affordable, but publicly owned and run."

"JellyCow99 owes the British people a response. They should apologise immediately and provide answers to these crucial questions."

While the recent announcement by the government of a rapid phasing out of diesel cars may seem encouraging at first, there are major flaws at play if the government's electric vehicle-privileging approach is allowed to continue.

Given the risks of pollution, it is clear that we must move away from vehicles that emit carbon dioxide. But electric vehicles are no panacea. They still contribute to congestion, are environmentally destructive to produce -- especially when reliant on lithium-ion batteries from the global south -- and most crucially, still create a significant amount of wear and tear on our roads.

As the fuel duty will no doubt decrease as petrol vehicles do, the supposedly progressive government risks creating a massive hole in the budget. The RAC Foundation estimates that even in a best-case scenario, fuel income duties are likely to decline by £5 billion a year by 2033. This will mean less money to maintain the roads that motorists use, but more crucially, less money to spend on the vital priorities that matter to our working people, such as strengthening our NHS and getting people off the streets with new social housing projects.

This may be a proposal that is all well and good to most of the haute bourgeoisie voters who currently own electric vehicles -- clearly this government's core constituency -- and who will thus be the beneficiaries of a massive, undeserved tax cut, but the Workers Party GB considers it unacceptable. Any self-respecting climate strategy must acknowledge that electric vehicles are not a fix-all, and should not be given special treatment over petrol vehicles.

The move to charge EVs vehicle tax in 2025 is encouraging. But the government must go further and stop the massive fiscal hole they risk opening. The Workers Party GB believes that charges should be levied on electric vehicles on a per-mile basis, similar to the current fuel tax model for petrol drivers.

It is reasonable that the purchase of electric vehicles should be incentivised in comparison to diesel vehicles. But on current policies, the government's proposal for increasing EV uptake will result in massive cuts to government revenue and funding shortfalls for vital government services. This is something that the Workers Party GB will never support.

Quotes attributable to alisonhearts, Workers Party GB leader

"Our proposed per-mile charge for electric vehicle drivers is a sensible change that will increase income for Treasury. The government should get behind it immediately."

"Dwindling fuel income revenue will create a massive funding shortfall. The government must be frank with the people about how they plan to recover this money, or what public services they will cut to compensate."

"If nothing is changed, the uptake in electric vehicles this government proposes will effectively result in a massive tax dodge for Britain's wealthiest."

Rugby has been betrayed. Oracle, the newly elected MP for Rugby has turned coat and joined the Worker's Party of Great Britain- an ugly offshoot born from the mind of uglier persons.

I cannot overstate my utter disappointment with him.

He campaigned- no- won on a promise of independence to his electorate. Then, without consultation, turned on that promise and joined a party. I campaigned against politicians like him, those who would say one thing and do another: liars.

To make matters worse, he is the only MP for this party now. The only voice that party has to push their agenda. No longer is he the mouth for those wanting a voice in parliament; he has become a mouthpiece for his party's views and manifesto commitments. A bitter pill for his constituents to swallow.

And he has the gall to call out the Prime Minister on her mistaking his party. The Prime Minster has enough on her plate without worrying about petty backbenchers who are little more than a road bump for the government's plans. The people of the United Kingdom deserve a better class of opposition politicians than him. Politicians with real backbone who can proudly stand their ground, plant their flag, and declare their positions with their chest.

I strongly urge the people of Rugby to recall their turncoat. Show that truth and principles ought to matter in politics.

There can be no grander betrayal.

Recently the Prime Minister Inadorable has responded to my article yet she says I'm an independent member of Parliament?

I'm sorry Prime Minister but I have recently joined the Worker's Party GB, has she really not been paying attention to what has been happening in the house for the last week and half for her to forget ?.

What does this say about her ability to make decisions on behalf of the public, is she competent enough to be Prime Minister ?

And why is accusing you of colluding with Just Stop Oil dangerous Prime Minister? Is it because you don't want the public to find out that most of your MPs proudly support their aims and goals over their constituents they are expected to represent?.

The Public deserves truth and transparency in their politics not 4-5 parties behind closed doors making a decision to block a potential challenger to government because you disagree with their views which in return creates an echo chamber in government and no I will not withdraw my claims because we both know it to be true even one of your coalition members have spoken out against your own policies.

Talks between the Government and British Steel Limited, as well as the separate talks with Tata Steel UK Limited, have ended with the government agreeing to purchase both entities for a total of £1.63 billion.

Of this, £1 billion is spent on purchasing the sites owned by Tata Steel UK Limited, including the Port Talbot and Newport Steelworks, and £630 million is spent on British Steel Limited, which owns the Scunthorpe Steelworks.

Both entities are set to be merged under the British Steel Limited name, returning Britain's steel industry to nationalised ownership.

The Prime Minister, who was involved in both deals, commented the following:

With the nationalisation of these companies, we are protecting vital jobs in our manufacturing industry. We are currently in talks with the management of the now nationalised Tata Steel UK to maintain the operations of the blast furnace set to be closed at Port Talbot and protect these jobs, whilst preparing a statement to the House including critical investments into our steel industry with an eye to decarbonise it without seeing a loss of jobs.

Steel has long been at the heart of Britain's industry, and will remain so even as we decarbonise our economy. We need green steel for so many aspects of construction, from the screws and bolts holding our country together to the most impressive engineering works across the United Kingdom. These works must be able to go on without Britain's strategic autonomy being threatened by foreign powers, and that means maintaining and expanding our domestic steel industry. This is the first step towards ensuring our industry can start to recover.

A statement to the House of Commons including the investment plans will be introduced shortly.

One of the two independent members for the West Midlands, /u/Oracle_of_Mercia, recently published an article in which he declared that there have been fifteen days of terror in the United Kingdom, caused by Just Stop Oil, and that 'enough is enough'. There are a range of accusations which are, in my view, absurd and entirely out of context, but the claims surrounding the blockade in Southampton move from being an issue of interpretation to objectively being misinformation. The blockade in Southampton has ended. The government worked with the police to make sure that it came to a quick end, and we have achieved just that. The conspiracy theory that this government would be in any way in league with Just Stop Oil, or enabling them, is false and libelous in the context of the member's own view of JSO as a terrorist organisation. I kindly request that they withdraw these false statements, correct the record, and apologise.

Indeed, the accusation that we would be appeasing them is dangerous. Considering JSO's goal is reducing carbon emissions, any scheme which would reduce carbon emissions could be framed as such, which is absurd as this government's own stated goals is achieving carbon neutrality by 2040. We've had these goals separate from the actions of Just Stop Oil: indeed, our statement that they should 'accept their victory' was in relation to the fact that there already existed plans to decarbonise by 2040!

The second main thrust of the article, couched in the idea that we are appeasing JSO, is that this government would be destroying the British automotive industry. This seems to be based on false assumptions of a fully autarkic economy -- which the United Kingdom is not -- and that a short, lobbying statement from the EU specifically meant to delay progress can be applied directly to the United Kingdom. The United Kingdom was explicitly considered as a part of Europe in this, with the stated job losses being across the EU, United Kingdom and EFTA. The 200,000 jobs being lost in the United Kingdom alone, then, isn't the actual number. Indeed, the difference is a rather small one with the existing regulations, which already mandated that 70% of vans and 80% of cars would be electric by 2030. The marginal changes would be minimal, and this government is working with manufacturers to ensure that the transition can be made without job losses and will, if necessary, make the vital investments needed to avoid them.

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The Workers Party GB is pleased to announce that we will be returning to the House of Commons. Independent MP for Rugby Oracle_of_Mercia has made the decision to join the party, and will become our first MP since the mysterious disappearance of Rochdale MP George Galloway.

Oracle_of_Mercia won a hard-fought by-election campaign as an independent community representative, unaffiliated from the corrupt major party establishment advocating for the issues that matter to voters, including a strong platform on law-and-order, energy, and the farming industry of the West Midlands.

Oracle_of_Mercia stands for the principles that the Workers Party has always fought for, including a strong commitment to anti-imperialism, a dedication to fighting for the working class of Great Britain, and a patriotic dedication to this great nation.

As a Workers Party MP, Oracle_of_Mercia will take the party whip, and will be involved in formulating future party policy, including for the next general election in which the Workers Party will present a full slate of candidates. The Workers Party GB looks forward to holding the coalition government to account now both inside and outside of Parliament, and working towards a Great Britain that treats our working people with the dignity and respect they deserve.

Quotes attributable to alisonhearts, Workers Party GB leader

"The Workers Party is back in Parliament! I'm so pleased that Oracle_of_Mercia has made the decision to join the party, and I'm looking forward to working alongside our new MP to hold the government accountable."

"I'm looking forward to working with Oracle_of_Mercia in Parliament to ensure that the issues that matter to Rugby voters are properly advocated for, and that an alternate, principled anti-capitalist viewpoint is represented in the House of Commons."

"The Workers Party GB is the only party that offers a true alternative to the corrupt, imperialist major parties who only care to represent the interests of a small few in the corporate sector. We are a true voice for workers in this country."

Quotes attributable to Oracle_of_Mercia, Workers Party GB MP for Rugby

"Many of you are wondering why I've joined a Political Party after being an independent MP, and the simple answer to that is extra resources, the LibLabCon make it extremely difficult to be a true and honest independent in the House of Commons."

"I've had to fight tooth and nail to get even simple legislation passed. You've seen this time and time again -- from legalization of assisted dying for those with terminal illnesses, and my loot box regulation bill to stop video game companies and their crony investors preying on young kids and true gamers."

"I promised during the campaign that I would make the West Midlands the best place in the country for young people, and I truly believe that my pledge to achieve this for us can be best met by joining the Workers Party -- a true patriotic, anti-globalist, anti-imperialist working class movement."

"It realizes that we have lost a sense of pride in our working classes and that pride once helped regulate our communities into being the best they can be. We have to find that spirit again because Community Matters."

"Ms. Prime Minister, a comment on the ongoing blockade of Fawley Refinery?"

I am, of course, worried about the ongoing blockade of Fawley's oil refinery. It's completely unjustified to try to shut down one of Britain's largest oil refineries just as we start to head into the autumn and winter months, risking a spike in heating costs for some of the most vulnerable people in our country, just to make a political point that I can assure you has been heard well and clearly already.

The protestors demand an end to oil and gas extraction and licensing and a rapid decarbonisation of the economy. What they seem to be ignoring is that this government has already committed to no longer granting any new licenses for oil and gas in England, Wales, or Northern Ireland, that we support blocking fracking, and a long-term plan to shift Scotland's economy away from oil and towards other forms of energy, doing so responsibly and by ensuring that communities do not see their most important industries destroyed in a thatcherite shutdown of the wells.

Similarly, this government has already committed to decarbonising electricity production in this country by 2030, and we are working on legislation to bring forward the electrification and modernisation of our railway network, further reducing carbon emissions and enabling significant modal shift onto high capacity carbon-neutral forms of transport. Indeed, this government has already supported the reversal of the hare-brained Conservative plan to bring back coal mining in our country, and we will continue to support plans to achieve significant decarbonisation efforts over the coming years.

Our only red line has been to make sure that the working class of this country, long-suffering as it has been, is shielded from negative consequences of this transition. That the worker at Tata Steel gets to keep their job rather than lose it in some mad rush to decarbonise as quick as physically possible with zero attention paid to the actual social effects of our plans. I really recommend that the people from Just Stop Oil step out of their ivory tower and talk to these workers at Port Talbot, these oil workers in Scotland, workers at some of our most important manufacturing plants in the country. They will realise that their concerns are just as important as those of JSO, and perhaps, make what they want more reasonable than just putting thousands of workers out of a job so they get what they want a few years quicker.

I will discuss further steps to be taken with the Home Secretary and the Energy Secretary, but I will leave you with a direct message to Just Stop Oil: stop your blockade. It is dangerous both for yourselves and the most vulnerable people in this country. You are doing your cause no favours by polarising yourself against the majority of this society, no matter how just your cause may be. This economy will be decarbonised, it will be decarbonised in the next fifteen years, we can promise you that: accept this massive victory and celebrate it!

Just Stop Oil blockades main roads leading to Fawley Refinery

By Jente Dijkstra

As previously reported by the Times, Just Stop Oil announced a protest outside of the country’s largest oil refinery

Almost all work has stopped at the UK’s largest oil refinery in Fawley, located in Southampton. As previously announced by the group, a number of 12 activists from Just Stop Oil are currently obstructing the main roads to get to the refinery by glueing themselves to the road. This tactic is reminiscent of a similar Just Stop Oil protest in 2022, in which they blockaded Cromwell Road in London by glueing themselves to the road.

The 12 activists are accompanied by a number of other activists who are there in support but ultimately did not end up becoming part of the blockade.

The controversial environmental group has stated that they are doing this as a result of the Government's inaction on climate change and to call for decarbonisation immediately.

A statement from Malcolm Fitzgerald, deputy press secretary for Just Stop Oil, has been received by the Times. Mr. Fitzgerald on behalf of the environmental group has stated thus.

"If we are to limit global warming, we must put an immediate halt to all new oil and gas field developments and implement radical decarbonisation efforts. By refusing to halt new oil and gas licenses, the current government is complicit in accelerating the climate crisis and the suffering it will create around the globe.

We reiterate our call for the UK government to put a halt to new oil and gas licenses, and we hope that our action today showcases the commitment we have to standing up against climate inaction."

A crowd has already started to gather around the blockaded roads, both from workers trying to transit to work and those leaving for the day.

Reflecting the discussion around the activist group in Parliament, tensions are running high with several shouting matches between workers and activists. Some accusations have been thrown around saying that Just Stop Oil is a terrorist group and even one worker suggesting someone should just run over the activists. However, the protest has thus far remained peaceful.

Just Stop Oil announces protest of Fawley Refinery

By Jente Dijkstra

In the aftermath of the occupation of Green Party offices on the 28th of September, tensions have been running high in politics between the activist group Just Stop Oil and politicians. Just Stop Oil decided to invade the Green Party offices for 15 minutes in response to the Government’s opposition to legislation to cease any new licenses for petroleum extraction and exploration.

This divisive protest has gained criticisms from both sides of the political aisle. While many denounce the invasion of the Green Party offices, none of them have gained as much notoriety as some members of Reform UK and others, such as newly elected MP AdSea260, calling for Just Stop Oil being designated as a terrorist organisation. 

Despite these calls for designating them as a terrorist organisation and rising tensions, Just Stop Oil does not seem to be stopping in their campaign for stronger environmental regulations and policy. 

Police have been notified and urged to monitor a protest announced by the environmental group. As announced on X, formerly Twitter, Just Stop Oil is planning a protest on the road leading to the largest oil refinery in the UK, the Fawley Refinery, to protest the Government’s inaction and to call for immediate decarbonisation measures.

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Despite the police reassuring that they are monitoring the situation, with tensions running so high and calls to designate them a terrorist organisation, many are wondering how peaceful this protest will be from either side.

Labour has failed. This election and the many others like it have proven it! Their plan is in tatters, and the people's voice is heard. You want honest voices in Parliament, you want independent voices in Parliament.

As you voted for, I will stand strong and tall, opposing this government's tawdry plans and exposing their monopoly on inadequacy. I will defend our constitution, our rural traditions, and our strength and unity as a nation of many.

I would like to thank you all, and express my deepest pride in this moment as your new member of parliament. I promise activity, alacrity, and acrimony to any person who stands in the way.

God save the King!

I’m proud to have been elected as the new Member of Parliament for York Central and I want to thank each and every person who has voted for me in this by-election. As a proud fighter for Yorkshire it’s good to see that the people of Yorkshire and the North East have put their faith in me and in the Labour Party. It has been only a few months since the Labour Party has once more entered government and the fact that the government has won two by-elections and the opposition parties have won zero shows that this government is a success.

The victory for me is a big one as I can now voice your opinions in the House of Commons, it’s important that we tackle the current problems with immigration, that we focus on the reforms we promised, and that we improve the living conditions in the entire country. This means more focus on better welfare and more money in the pockets of the ones who are in dire need of our help. We have to ensure that the proper physical and digital infrastructure is in place so people can travel to work and to bigger cities easier, but also access internet everywhere in our country at the fastest rate possible. For too long governments have promised to give the North better railway services and by doing so increase the opportunities for people in the North. It’s important that we deliver on those promises and earn back the trust of the people of our great country.

My focus will be aiding this government to reach its full potential, both as an MP and as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, we have to show the people that we can make our great even better than it already is right now.

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